Russia: The New Man in the Kremlin - European Journal (english) 23.04.2008

Dmitri Medvedev who takes over as Russia's new president in May, has a hard actto follow. Compared to Putin, Medvedev, a professor's son, seems rather shy and retiring. But during the election campaign he pledged to boost personal freedom, reduce state interference and clean up the country's justice system - and western leaders are hoping he will be easier to deal with than his predecessor. But they are also waiting to see just how much influence Putin will continue to wield in his new role as prime minister. Insiders at the Kremlin are confident that Medvedev will be more than Putin's puppet - not least because his wife Svetlana would never allow it.